Photography 101 - Finding People to Work With Pt. 2 (Patreon)

In part 1 we covered how to find models if you have zero portfolio and little experience.

However let’s say you have shot with a few people (I would recommend 10 minimum) and are ready to start shooting lingerie, boudoir, and nudes.

Model Releases

When shooting with any model, you should absolutely get a model release signed. If your model will not sign the release you provide, do not shoot with that model. It should be the first and foremost thing you do when you first encounter a model.

This is important for all shoots, but it is VITAL for anything involving nudity. The legal repercussions for shooting nudes without a release could be life altering. 

Get a lawyer - THIS IS NOT LEGAL ADVICE. I AM NOT A LAWYER.

First of all, there is no such thing as one release that works for all. Your model release needs to fit you, your specific situation, and what you are doing with the images. It is 100% necessary to hire a competent lawyer to draft your model release form for your situation. I would highly recommend P. Andrew Torres as he is incredibly intelligent, and more than willing to do a phone consultation at no cost to get a full idea of what it is you are doing so that your model release will be properly tailored to you, your needs, and your individual state requirements. I am not a lawyer and all advice written on this patreon is not legal advice.

Copy ID’s

Your model says she’s 18, but words mean nothing when standing in front of a judge. Get a copy of your models ID. If they are not comfortable with giving you a copy, do not work with them.

Can I finally shoot someone nude?!

Yes! You are ready! Luckily, the process for finding nude models is not much different than finding any model. 

It’s a ramp!

Just like working your way up from shooting objects or friends, shooting nudes requires a bit of a ramp up. You will most likely need to start by approaching models who have done nudes before. This is relatively easy to find on modelmayhem by signing up, getting approved with the portfolio you have established, then searching your city. I do not recommend turning on the filter for “shoots nudes” because many nude models do not properly answer the question and you will filter them out.

The way to tell if a model does nudes is often quite simple; start by just looking at their portfolio, if they have nudes you are obviously golden. If they do not, read their bio, many models will specifically say “I DO NOT SHOOT NUDES” if they are not up for it. Models who do not mention it may be possible, you just need to message and ask politely. Last, check the genre’s they have listed - if they have “erotic, fetish, or lingerie” listed, there is a good chance you will be able to work with them. However, make sure you are up front in your messages about what you are looking for.

NEVER. EVER. EVER. Try to deceive a model by telling her you want to shoot, then telling her you would like her to get nude once she is in front of you. Always set expectations up front, you may be able to get someone to do nudes through this method, however the outcome is absolutely devastating. It often causes that model to never shoot again, they will often ask, beg, or threaten you to delete the photos. You may face a lawsuit which you would win if you gathered the proper documents...but winning isn’t everything when lawsuits themselves often cost an arm and a leg. Further, it hurts the entire modeling community, they will tell others of their negative experience with you and you will feel the effects for months/years down the road.

Do I have to pay, or is TFP possible?

The answer here is dependant on the model. Some models will work nude for TFP, but you often need to have exceptional work, creativity, or ideas you can offer that the model is excited to do. Other situations is if you can offer the model something she can benefit from monetarily. Many girls have pages like “onlyfans” and would love to have a professional photographer creating work they can sell. Even people with Patreon’s are often eager to collaborate for the free photos they can profit from.

Everyone is a model.

Okay so here’s the thing. You don’t only need to work with people who model already. There are thousands of women who dream of being a model, even if only for a day. You can approach literally anyone who is of age to do a nude shoot for you. The thing is you need to be up front, and expect to get turned down, blocked, and ghosted a LOT. If you can accept that it’s a numbers game, and keep your temper from getting the best of you, then you will shoot women who you only dreamed you could!

I think that should help give you a great start into shooting nude photography!

Next week, I’ll go over some specifics on how to approach models in different scenarios, with a focus on nude photography.